The Value of Stress-Management Interventions in Life-Threatening Medical Conditions

2003 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 133-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn Lewis Claar ◽  
James A. Blumenthal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Management Techniques ◽  
The Impact

Emotional stress has been associated with the development and progression of several chronic medical conditions. Recently, researchers have assessed the impact of stress-management interventions on patients' psychological functioning, quality of life, and various disease outcomes, including survival. This review summarizes the value of stress-management techniques in the treatment of two important, life-threatening conditions: coronary heart disease and cancer. Results from randomized clinical trials indicate that psychological interventions can improve patients' psychological functioning and quality of life. However, there is limited evidence to suggest that these interventions significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.

scholarly journals Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Quality of Life among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Fatima I. AlNashri ◽  
Hayfa H. Almutary ◽  
Elham A. Al Nagshabandi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
The Impact

Context: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a life-threatening problem of global concern. Living with CKD is associated with many psychological problems, including depression and anxiety, which can directly or indirectly affect the quality of life. Only one review in the existing literature has assessed these associations among CKD patients using different dialysis modalities. However, the experience of these symptoms could be higher among patients on hemodialysis therapy. In this purview, there is a need to narrow the previous work to be more focused on hemodialysis patients. Aim: This scoping review aims to determine the gaps in the knowledge about the impact of anxiety and depression concerning QOL among people undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: The studies selected were those examined the relationships between depression or/and anxiety with quality of life in adult patients on hemodialysis. The CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Pub Med databases were searched for literature published between January 2012 and December 2019. The quality of the included studies was also apprised. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Six studies examined the impact of depression and anxiety on the quality of life. Five studies identified from the review have examined the relationships between depression and quality of life. It was established that the prevalence of anxiety and depression was high among hemodialysis patients, and the same was associated with low quality of life. Conclusion: The literature review highlights the negative associations between anxiety, depression, and quality of life among hemodialysis patients. It is, therefore, essential to screen hemodialysis patients frequently for anxiety and depression using a short-form questionnaire. This screening would allow for providing early interventions, and the potential deterioration of quality of life could be prevented. Further longitudinal studies are needed to assess these relationships. Additionally, further research is needed to determine effective interventional programs to improve the overall quality of life.

Spa-therapy can improve quality of life in chronic musculoskeletal disorder subjects: a narrative review

2020 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-6
Author(s):  
M.C. Maccarone ◽  
G. Magro ◽  
U. Solimene ◽  
S. Masiero
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Thermal Environment ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Spa Therapy ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Therapy Interventions ◽  
The Impact

Chronic Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are age-related conditions, linked to functional impairment and decreased quality of life (QoL). As a result of the increased life expectancy in Europe, great attention has been focused on investigating the impact of these diseases on QoL. Thermal environment is a suitable place for providing interventions (mud therapy, bath, exercise, etc.) for chronic MSD patients. Our narrative review aims to assess if Spa therapy may improve QoL in patients with chronic MSDs. We searched randomized clinical trials and clinical trials screening PubMed and Google Scholar databases from 2016 up to March 2020. We included 14 trials testing Spa therapy interventions concerning osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic shoulder pain and fibromyalgia. In conclusion, even though limitations must be considered, evidence shows that Spa therapy, especially in combination with rehabilitation approach, can significantly improve QoL of patients with chronic MSDs.

612 Assessing the Impact of Burns on Children Aged 5–18 Years: A Narrative Review of Health Outcomes Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S150-S150
Author(s):  
Amelia Austen ◽  
Carina Hou ◽  
Khushbu Patel ◽  
Keri Brady ◽  
Gabrielle G Grant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Health Domains ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Burn injuries can have major long-term effects on the health and quality of life for children and adolescents. This study narratively reviewed the health outcomes literature focusing on the impact of burn injury for children aged 5–18. Methods Literature targeting pediatric outcomes was reviewed to identify the effects of burns on children aged 5–18 (n=16). Inclusion criteria included studies that focused on the impact of burns on health and quality of life and were age-appropriate for this population. Articles were identified via PubMed, Web of Science, and manual reference checks. Data collected included the outcomes and health domains assessed in each article and the findings of the effects of the burn injury on those specific outcomes. The Preschool LIBRE Conceptual Model served as a ‘domains framework’ to guide the identification of outcomes and health domains. Results Long-term burn-specific outcomes and broad health domains identified were physical functioning (n=9), psychological functioning (n=12), social functioning (n=4), symptoms (n=8), and family (n=7). Some studies exclusively focused on one domain whereas others assessed two domains or more. Subdomains such as upper extremity functioning and functional independence were addressed in the physical functioning domain. Psychological functioning outcomes included subdomains such as emotional health and behavioral problems. Social functioning outcomes evaluated subdomains such as problems with peers and social participation. The symptoms domain addressed post-burn pain and itch. Family outcomes subdomains such as parental satisfaction with appearance and general family functioning were identified. Conclusions Burn-specific outcomes and health domains assessing the effects of burns on children aged 5–18 were identified among 16 studies. There is a need for a comprehensive assessment tool that more precisely measures the impact of burn injury across these domains. This work will inform the development of the School-Aged Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) Profile – a new outcome metric for children and adolescents with burns. Applicability of Research to Practice This review is relevant to researchers and clinicians assessing health outcomes and measuring burn recovery in children aged 5–18.

scholarly journals Outcomes of a Peer Support Program in Multiple Sclerosis in an Australian Community Cohort: A Prospective Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louisa Ng ◽  
Bhasker Amatya ◽  
Fary Khan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Brief Cope ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Peer Support Program

Background/Objectives. This pilot study evaluated the impact of a peer support program on improving multiple sclerosis (MS) related psychological functions (depression, anxiety, and stress) and enhancing quality of life. Methodology. Participants (n=33) were recruited prospectively and received an 8-week group face-to-face peer support program. Assessments were at baseline (T1), 6 weeks after program (T2), and 12 months after program (T3), using validated questionnaires: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), McGill Quality of Life (MQOL), and Brief COPE. Results. Participants’ mean age was 52; the majority were female (64%) and married (64%). Median time since MS diagnosis was 16 years. At T2, participants reported improved psychological functioning (DASS “depression,” “anxiety,” and “stress” subscales, z values −2.36, −2.22, and −2.54, moderate effect sizes (r) 0.29, 0.28, and 0.32, resp.) and quality of life (MQOL SIS z score −2.07, r=0.26) and were less likely to use “self-blame” as a coping mechanism (Brief COPE z score −2.37, r=0.29). At T3, the positive improvements in stress (DASS stress subscale z score −2.41, r=0.31) and quality of life were maintained (MQOL SIS, z score −2.30, r=0.29). There were no adverse effects reported.

Psychophysical functioning and quality of life in 94 patients affected by oropharyngeal cancer and treated with different therapeutic approaches.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6039-6039
Author(s):  
Fulvia Pedani ◽  
Mario Airoldi ◽  
Massimiliano Garzaro ◽  
Riccardo Torta ◽  
Luca Raimondo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Stage Iv ◽  
Stage Iii ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
The Impact

6039 Background: The treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) may heavily affect patient’s quality of life (QoL). Aim of our study was the evaluation of the impact of different treatments on physical and psychological functioning and on QoL of patients affected by stage III-IV disease. Methods: The enrolled sample was composed by 94 OSCC patients divided into 3 subgroups based on treatment modalities: surgery + adjuvant radiotherapy (S + RT: 30 patients), exclusive concomitant chemo-radiotherapy (CT + RT: 30 patients) and exclusive chemotherapy (CT) in 34 patients not suitable for surgery and/or radiotherapy. Psycho-oncological assessment included: Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale (MADRS), Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale (MINI-MAC), EORTC QLQ C-30 questionnaire with the specific module Head and Neck 35 (H&N35). Results: The 60 patients primarily treated with S + RT or CT + RT presented superimposeable clinical and tumour characteristics while those treated with exclusive CT were affected by stage IV disease and in the 90% of cases underwent to previous treatment exclusive or combined treatment such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In the following table, data about physical and psychological functioning and on QoL of the 3 subgroups of patients are summarized. Conclusions: In stage III-IV OSCC treatments have a strong influence on QoL and coping styles. Patients treated with CT + RT were characterized by a lower percentage of self-reported anxiety and depression and higher EORTC Global QoL score. More than one third of patients treated with S + RT had overt symptoms of anxiety and depression. Stage IV patients treated with palliative CT had elevated level of anxiety, depression and low quality of life. Auto-evaluation is less effective in depression assessment. The role of concomitant psychological supportive care should be evaluated in these patients treated with different approaches. [Table: see text]

How Effective are Complementary Therapies for HIV and AIDS?—a Systematic Review

1999 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 629-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Metin Özsoy ◽  
Edzard Ernst
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Complementary Therapies ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Published Evidence

Complementary treatments are often used by HIV-infected individuals. Yet little is known about their effectiveness. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to summarize the published evidence for or against the effectiveness of complementary therapies in HIV-positive people. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to locate all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of complementary therapies. Data were extracted in a standardized fashion and evaluated critically. Fourteen studies met our pre-de® ned inclusion/exclusion criteria; 2 of herbal treatments, 5 of vitamins and other supplements, 5 of stress management, one of massage therapy, and one of acupuncture. They fall into 2 broad categories of ‘cure’ and ‘care’. While the former category yields few encouraging results, the latter group of studies is more promising. In particular, stress management may prove to be an effective way to increase the quality of life. It is concluded that few rigorous trials of complementary treatments for HIV exist. The domain of complementary medicine may lie in the care for HIV-infected individuals with a view of increasing their quality of life. This notion requires further rigorous investigation.

The Impact of Psychological Functioning upon Systemic Sclerosis Patients’ Quality of Life

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas N. Hyphantis ◽  
Niki Tsifetaki ◽  
Vassiliki Siafaka ◽  
Paraskevi V. Voulgari ◽  
Christina Pappa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Disease Activity, Occupational Participation, and Quality of Life for Individuals with and without Severe Fatigue in Ankylosing Spondylitis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Connolly ◽  
Clodagh Fitzpatrick ◽  
Finbar O’Shea
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Physical Capacity ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Severe Fatigue ◽  
High Fatigue ◽  
Occupational Participation ◽  
The Impact

Background. Fatigue is one of the most frequently reported symptoms by individuals with ankylosing spondylitis. However, it is often overlooked clinically and in research. Literature researching the impact of severe fatigue on occupational participation in ankylosing spondylitis is limited. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore the impact of severe fatigue on occupational participation, disease activity, and quality of life in people with AS. Methods. A sequential exploratory mixed method study design was used in this study. Self-reported questionnaires gathered quantitative data which were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were generated through semistructured interviews and analysed using a content analysis approach. Results. Fifty individuals with AS completed all study questionnaires. Participants had a mean age of 46.5 years; 72% were men with a mean disease duration of 14.5 years. High fatigue was reported by 38% of participants using the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF). Fatigue was significantly associated with lower occupational participation (p=0.018), higher disease activity (p<0.001), higher pain (p<0.001), reduced physical capacity (p=0.018), lower quality of life (p<0.001), and lower global well-being (p<0.001). There were significant differences between those with low and high fatigue levels for occupational participation (p=0.007), disease activity (p<0.001), physical capacity (p=0.015), pain (p<0.001), and quality of life (p<0.001). Participants discussed the impact of fatigue on productivity and leisure. They also discussed a range of strategies for managing their fatigue but reported a lack of education from health professionals on managing this symptom. Conclusion. Severe fatigue is a prevalent symptom for individuals with ankylosing spondylitis and results in reduced occupational participation in productivity and leisure. Early fatigue management interventions may reduce the occupational participation impact of this symptom for individuals with ankylosing spondylitis.

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